Evaluation of a Collaborative Policy Initiative to Address Homelessness and Incarceration

• In Event: 261 - Section on Sociological Practice and Public Sociology Paper Session. Sociology in Action

Abstract

Housing instability/homelessness increases risk for incarceration and, conversely, incarceration increases the risk for
homelessness. To address these risks, the Frequent Users Services Enhancement (FUSE) initiative was developed in
collaboration with the Corporation for Supportive Housing; The New York City Departments of Homeless Services,
Correction, Health and Mental Hygiene, and Housing Preservation and Development; The New York City Housing Authority;
and ten non-profit providers of housing and services. FUSE provided supportive housing to roughly 200 individuals who were
frequently cycling in and out of jails and homeless shelters. While residential instability is common after prison or jail, research
has identified a subset of persons with repeated episodes of both incarceration and homelessness. They are often ‘frequent
users’ of other services as well, especially crisis care services such as provided in emergency room, hospital, detox, residential
mental health settings. This evaluation follows a cohort of program participants from recruitment through two years after
being placed into supportive housing and a closely matched comparison group. Data are provided by detailed in-person
interviews conducted at approximately 6 month intervals, and overtime analysis of administrative data provided by NYC Departments of Corrections and Homeless Services. The evaluation shows that supportive housing significantly reduced cycling between public systems, reduced days spent in jail and shelter, and lessened use of crisis care health services. These service use reductions resulted in significantly lower costs for government and for society as a whole. This paper describes the
evaluation and outcomes of FUSE and implications for policy and systems change.

Authors

• Angela A. Aidala, Columbia University

• William McAllister, Columbia University

• Maiko Yomogida, Columbia University

• Virginia Shubert, Shubert Botein Policy Associates